Duo ink new deal with London Irish

Firstly, London Irish fans were treated with the news that explosive centre Johnny Williams had pledged his future to his boyhood club.

And moments later Max Northcote-Green followed suit, the in-form flank also signing a new contract with the Exiles.

Proving to be one of the finds of the 2015/16 Premiership Rugby season, strapping ball-carrier Williams saw his stock rise sharply culminating in a World Rugby Under-20 winners’ medal.

Williams played a key role in Irish’s road to promotion from the Championship last term, and the Berkshire-born back is focused on establishing himself in the Exiles first XV.

Playing mini and junior rugby for Redingensians RFC before joining the Exiles’ academy set-up aged 14, Williams has matured into a formidable centre.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time at London Irish and I’m delighted to have committed my future to the club," said Williams, who was part of the Exiles’ side that won the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League in 2016.

"Nick Kennedy, Paul Hodgson and Declan Danaher were fantastic for my development during my time in the academy and it’s great to see them coaching the first team.

"There are still lots of things that I need to work on and I’m confident that those aspects of my game will improve,"

Northcote-Green, 23, joined Irish from Bath ahead of the 2016/17 season and the athletic back row wasted no time in introducing himself to the Exiles faithful, scoring three tries in seven appearances before injury curtailed his campaign.

Now back to full fitness, Northcote-Green has been in fine form of late with his two eye-catching scores against Bath Rugby in the Anglo-Welsh Cup underlining his qualities.

Making five appearances for the Exiles this term, the Dulwich born forward is keen to cement his position in the pack.

"I’m delighted to have extended my contract with London Irish and I’m really enthusiastic about my future at the club," said Northcote-Green.

"I’ve had a good run of games since making my return from a lengthy injury and I must thank the London Irish medical team for their help and support during my time in the treatment room," said Northcote-Green.

"It’s great to be back out on the field and with competition for places in the back row, I need to keep working hard in order to play regular first team rugby,"